Showing posts with label fashion show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion show. Show all posts

Sunday, September 8, 2013

MSFW: The Only Way Is Up Fashion Show

It's my favourite time of year: Spring Fashion Week in Melbourne. The benchmark for upcoming Australian style.... and best of all, when leaves start to change colour & flowers begin to blossom... warmer times are ahead! yayyyyy!!! CUE: EXCITEMENT! SEE YOU SOON, SUMMER.

Earlier this week I attended 'The Only Way Is Up' Fashion show. My friend, Mariska Thynne, the talented designer behind The Professor's Daughter label was showing. I went to the quirky event with my gorgeous friend & fellow fashion blogger, Megan Cook from State of Megan. Which as ironic fate might have it - we both moved from Canberra to Melbourne on the very same day. Pure coincidence. Or... fashionable fate, you decide. ;)

We had a fabulous time! The show was themed around vintage clothing, vintage inspired and upcycling emerging designers. Which, is kind of perfect for us as it suits our fashion tastes to a T. As a long time lover of finding old treasures in my local op shops and thrift stores... It was a feast to my eyes when discovered there were vintage stalls as well. Naturally, this happens on the week meant to be saving.... but it was fun exploring, nonetheless.

A much welcomed breath of fresh air as a few weeks earlier had attended another industry event and was less than impressed by the snooty environment. The universe sure has a fun way of balancing out your impressions when you move to a new city. Loving all the Melbourne Fashion events thus far - esp Fashion Week! So inspired and totally excited for the Australian Spring / Summer street style.

I can't wait to get creative with my style this season. Definitely have a few ideas to experiment with from the shows I've been watching. I'm thinking more floral (I know, gahhh how original!), geometric pattern layering, more black + white (this is delicious during any season), studded footwear + jewelled details and grecian boho inspired looks that rely on mixing different styles finished with gold metallic hair clips and elastic adornments - LOVE this look. That's just my personal taste; not necessarily what's 'in fashion' globally right this moment. </ end style rant>

The pre show was spent networking and chatting with designers, photographers and fashion bloggers. It was great - everyone was super lovely! Had some really interesting conversations, sipping on champagne, smiling for photo ops with new friends.

The show began with some strikingly strong pieces. I especially loved The Professor's Daughter range of new designs. My favourite was a high waisted royal blue two piece suit. Corporate glamour at it's finest. The fit was a dream on the model and her walk came across well leaving a positive impression of female empowerment. Don't even get me started on the revolution of suits - we'll be here all day ;)

Before I say anything further about the clothes.... let me just tell you, the smooth sexy funky 70s playlist was off the chain. I was literally grooving from the moment first model strut out on the catwalk. Cool way to set the atmospheric tone. Music, is everything at a fashion show. If that's not cohesive with what you're presenting... forget it. Game over, people.

The rest of the show was equally amazing - there's definitely some talented designers here in Melbourne.  I'm excited to get to know and see more of your work. Dare say the KLM readers will agree with me! The designers showing were Victor and Louise VintageThe Professor's DaughterMarci VintageStone Fever VintageGrandma FunkSafeena VintageLiberty's Heart and Ivy & White.

Congrats to Anne and the southside handmade & vintage market organizers for putting on this event for MSFW! :)

Check out below photos from the event taken on my iPhone (apologies for the quality!) and a sneaky 16 second video.

Allura xoxo

Megan (L) in E L L E R Y and Allura (R) in Alice Be Curious & vintage Saks Fifth Avenue
with Mariska, The Professor's Daughter
Got Pap'd! (photo courtesy of Southside Market)
The Professor's Daughter 
With Suzanne from Fashion Blog, Stylise
VIDEO click click to see! 



Thursday, March 15, 2012

Collette Dinnigan: Creates Ice Fantasy in Paris

As the only Australian designer showing at Paris Fashion Week, there's understandably a lot of pressure riding on Collette Dinnigan's much anticipated darker 'Snow Queen' collection (inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale). As if there really was any doubt in anyone's mind that the artista would disappoint. Shock, maybe. Of course, but disappoint, it's near impossible when you are a creator of such renowned feminine allure. I find myself captivated once again by the pull of mysterious make-believe. Lost somewhere between the icy delights of high end lace and the ever so inviting eye catching luxury bead work. There is a strong Gothic influence evident in the materials and custom lace used. As a lover of all things lace, crystal + beaded; this is basically the visual expression of my fashion hearts' desire.  <3

Dinnigan's self described 'Snow Queen' Ready to Wear 12-13 Fall collection showcases a maturity and depth new to her repertoire. Not to say previous designs were without inherent meaning, but simply show a softer more pretty range of emotion. I adore the exploration of darkness.

Although her pulchritudinous trademarks have not been forgotten, Dinnigan discovers a more edgy dramatic rocker style (with a rock n' roll soundtrack to boot!). There's a certain whimsical fantastic quality to the dreamy fairy tale creations.
I know if I ever found myself wearing one of her opulent designs, it would be something where dreams might align with reality. If only for a moment. One of those poignant milestones in your fashion life, where you get to be the Snow Queen. One night only.

At the end of the day, that's what fashion is all about! Creating beautiful illusion where we get to be anyone we want. With the right hair, makeup, clothes, heels & accessories.... WE OWN THE NIGHT!

Must see - lush lush lush black velvet trench, delicate lace knee highs & ankle socks, custom french lace + icy snowflake beaded structured dresses & navy silk show stopper with sparkling crystal embellishments....TDF!!!!!!!!!

My personal faves (almost half the collection!):



last image: the showstopper 'hero' dress of collection.

(all photos courtesy of style.com website respectively)

posing off until next time fashion kitties.

allura xo